The meaning of Christmas

Often this question is asked, but there are many answers; as each of us has our own beliefs and traditions that define what Christmas means to us. However, even with so many different views, Christmas still has a basic fundamental meaning to all of us. It is the memories of Christmas past that adults hold close to their hearts.

The holiday season brings back feelings of joy that is renewed in each of us. We close our eyes, smell the cookies baking, and listen to the music of the season playing. We smile at seeing the first snow of the season, watching children building snow people, snow forts and having snowball fights.

There is a deep feeling of bliss as we watch the wonder in a small child’s eyes as they experience the holiday season, as we know they too will someday look back on their Christmas memories, as we do now.

We smile as we watch children hanging their stocking by the fire, and telling us all about the gifts Santa will bring them. We see how big their eyes get at seeing the tree coming through the door and their joy at decorating it.

Their awe at the lights on the house being lit and the wreath being placed on the front door is almost electric. Then the excitement seems to grow in everyone, adults and children alike, as relatives and friends arrive for the holiday meal.

We feel great happiness when we give to others, we hold tightly to family traditions, and remembering those no longer with us.

As adults we know that the real meaning of the Christmas season is that it opens the door to our memories and recreates the wonder of the holiday season within us all over again.